Northeastern Illinois University

The Tragedy at Chapel Hill

I would like to give my condolences to the families and communities that have been affected by the murder of Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, Deah Shaddy Barakat, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha. Although this might not be an issue about gender I feel that this is a very important topic to bring up.

Discrimination and racism has been a long-term problem that our country has faced. Throughout the years a lot of work has been done to combat the issue, of which the cost has been great, including the lives of many. This tragedy in particular makes me feel as if all of everyone’s hard work has been unseen. Especially because of the way the media has been covering the issue. The media continues to doubt whether or not it was a hate crime just because the killer claims that there was a dispute over parking. If that was to be true, having a dispute over parking does not give anyone the right to end the someones life. What if it was a dispute between the killer and a white man? Would there have been the same outcome?

I really hope that people learn a lesson from this tragedy and to learn that no one has the right to take anyone’s life regardless of the way they dress. However, it is really disappointing that people are truly respected after they die. Why do we have to wait for a tragedy like this to happen so that we begin to talk about how Muslim lives matter? Everyone’s life matters, no matter what! Due to this murder’s lack of assessing his own behaviour, these three young people were rejected their opportunity to achieve their dreams, to form their families and to make their contributions to society.

Everyone should be able to dress the way they want to without feeling unsafe. I would like to see everyone take some time and reflect about the way in which they treat others. Learn to accept people for who they are because we might not realize it, but everyone has similar experiences and struggles. So why not work with as a team to combat the struggles. Before saying something to someone, think twice before you say it or do what you want to do. Make sure that your words or actions do not contribute to the discrimination that has cost the lives of so many people.